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Boy, 6, takes gun to school, is now with CPS; dad held

A 6-year-old boy who had a handgun in his backpack at Keeling Elementary School has been turned over to Child Protective Services.

He became ill shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday and was sent to the nurse's office at the Amphitheater district school, 2837 N. Los Altos Ave., said Tucson police Sgt. Chris Widmer.

As the child was being prepared to be sent home, a staff member found the handgun in the backpack, Widmer said. School officials called 911, police came at the school and found out his parents live in the 2800 block of North Park Avenue, Widmer said.

Police also discovered the father had a felony warrant for a parole violation. When officers went to the house about 2:30 p.m., they unsuccessfully tried to talk to the father, Widmer said.

Investigators found that the man, the only one in the house, possibly had a weapon. Hostage negotiators and the Special Weapons and Tactics team were called.

Police blocked Park and Tyndall avenues between Glenn Street and Blacklidge Drive until about 10 p.m. Some homes were also evacuated.

At about 9 p.m., a police dog entered the house and found the man hiding. The dog bit the man, Widmer said. He said the man, whose name was not released, was in custody and charges are pending.

Investigators questioned the boy's mother, and she was released, Widmer said.